Now Commenting On:

Slumping Lee asks for day off

Slumping Lee asks for day off

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Upon walking into his office following the Astros' 7-6 win over the Dodgers on Thursday, manager Cecil Cooper found a note sitting on his desk:

"I'm taking the day off tomorrow. I need it. Thanks."

The note was signed, "The Pony. Used to be The Caballo."

The note was from Carlos Lee, nicknamed "El Caballo," which in English means, "The Horse."

Apparently, an 0-for-6 showing at the plate has altered Lee's view of himself. The burly left fielder went 0-for-3 against the Tigers on Wednesday and posted another o-fer against the Dodgers the next day.

"Guess he'll be taking the day off [Friday]," Cooper said with a laugh.

Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.